Kite



Oct. 17, 1967 A. E. HARTIG 7 3,347,500

KITE

Filed June 30, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. ALFRED E. HART/GATTORNEYS Oct. 17, 1967 A. E. HARTIG 3,347,500

KITE

Filed June so, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F ,I G 9 INVENTOR.

AL FRED E. HART/G ATTORNEYS United States Patent 0 3,347,500 KlTE AlfredE. Hal-fig, 171 E. 91st St., New York, N.Y. 10028 Filed June 30, 1966,Ser. No. 561,788 13 Claims. (Cl. 244-154) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREKite comprising a main body portion fabricated of flexible materialhaving leading edges diverging generally rearwardly from a forward apexportion, wing strut means extending adjacent the leading edges, wingstruts movably ositioned within the wing strut sleeves, a center strutsleeve extending generally centrally of the leading edges andterminating forwardly of the rear of the main body portion, center strutmeans extending within said center strut sleeve, means for securing therear end portion of the center strut at selected locations adjacent therear of the main body portion, a keel portion of generally triangularconfiguration depending from said main body portion generally centrallyof the leading edges and provided with a plurality of attachmentlocations adjacent the lowermost apex thereof for enabling a cord,string, Wire or the like to be attached thereto, a portion of the upperedge of the keel portion being free to move relative to the main bodyportion and adapted to be adjustably positioned relative thereto, across strut adapted to be selectively positioned in a plurality oflocations transversely of the leading edges.

This invention pertains generally to kites and particularly to thatclass of kites known as tailless kites.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide taillesskites having improved take-off characteristics and easier control.

It is a further primary object of the present invention, in addition tothe foregoing object, to provide a kite adapted to take off in theslightest wind and with the slightest effort.

It is a further primary object of the present invention, in addition tothe foregoing objects, to provide improved kites capable of beinglaunched in very slight Winds from a standing position by tossing thekite into the air.

It is another primary object of the present invention, in addition tothe foregoing objects, to provide improved kites capable of hoveringabove the operators head as well as flying at an angle to him.

It is yet another primary object of the present invention, in additionto each of the foregoing objects, to provide kites adapted for flightsof unusual height and duration.

Yet still another primary object of the present invention, in additionto each of the foregoing objects, is to provide kites which are soconstructed and arranged as to preclude nose-diving or plungingdownward, enabling the kites to be more easily launched and maintainedin smooth flight.

A yet still further primary object of the present invention, in additionto each of the foregoing objects, is to provide kites which combinelightness with great lifting power.

Another and yet still further primary object of the present invention,in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide kites ofsimple construction which can be readily folded or disassembled andassembled.

It is yet a further primary object of the present invention, in additionto each of the foregoing objects, to provide improved kites fabricatedof flexible panels and removable struts enabling simple and easyreplacement of broken struts and further enabling 'a-slight give between3,3475% Patented Oct. 17, 1967 the panels and the struts under stress toreduce the possibility of tearing of the panels.

It is yet another primary object of the present invention, in additionto each of the foregoing objects, is to provide improved kitesconstructed and arranged to automatically compensate for changes in windvelocity and direction.

Another and yet still further object of the present invention, inaddition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide improved kitesconstructed and arranged to enable simple adjustments to be made throughthe configuration thereof to retain the stability of the kite underchanging wind conditions and after prolonged use.

A further primary object of the present invention, in addition to eachof the foregoing objects, is to provide improved kites fabricated toenable elaborate decoration thereof in a variety of ways withoutadversely affecting the performance thereof.

The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement anddisposition of the various component parts and elements incorporated inimproved kites constructed in accordance with the principles of thisinvention. The present invention will be better understood and objectsand important features other than those specifically enumerated abovewill become apparent when consideration is given to the followingdetails and description, which when taken in conjunction with theannexed drawing describes, discloses, shows and illustrates a preferredembodiment of the present invention and what is presently considered andbelieved to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof. Otherembodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having thebenefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments ormodifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall withinthe scope and spirit of the subjoined claims.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an improved kite constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional elevational view along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative showing of the improved kite of the precedingfigures showing the configuration thereof during flight;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 1 showing another improvedkite configured to represent a bird constructed in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of yet another improved kite configured torepresent a bat constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of still another improved kite configured torepresent an aircraft constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial illustration of one strut connectionaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged'partial illustration of another strut connectionmade in accordance with the present in-. vention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged illustration of yet another strut connection inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged illustration of a still further strut connectionmade in accordance with the present invention. I

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing, there is shown andillustrated an improved kite constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention and designated generally by thereference character 29.

The kite 20 comprises a main body portion 22 fabricated of a generallypolygonal sheet of thin, flexible material and a keel portion 24likewise fabricated of a generally polygonal sheet of thin, flexiblematerial.

While the main body portion 22 and the keel portion 24 may be fabricatedof any suitable thin, flexible material, it has been found preferable tofabricate the main body portion 22 and the keel portion 24 of wovencloth, synthetic or other suitable material which has a slight give andwhich does not tear easily resulting in an inexpensive and highlydurable kite, further enabling the required seams to be easily andreadily provided in any conventional manner, as by stitching, adhesivebonding, or the like. Furthermore, the use of a fabric allows the kiteto be elaborately decorated in a variety of ways without marring theperformance of the kite. While it has been found that the use of aslightly porous cloth in the construction of the improved kite appearsto aid in providing superior flight characteristics and performancethereof, it is to be understood that non-porous materials might also beutilized without departing from the present invention. In the ensuingdescription,-and in the claims, the material from which the main bodyportion-22 and the keel portion 24 are fabricated may be referred tomerely by the terminology fabric, but such terminology is not to bedeemed limiting but rather is to be interpreted in its broadest sense,the terminology being utilized merely to aid in an understanding of thepresent invention.

Accordingly,.the main body portion 22 comprises a sheet of fabric 26 andthe keel portion 24 comprises a sheet of fabric 28. A center strut 30 isstructurally associated with the sheet of fabric 26 substantiallycentrally thereof such as to subdivide the sheet. of fabricr26 into twomirror image wing sections 32 and '34. The wing sections 32 and 34preferably are of generally right triangular configuration, the oppositeside edge portions 36 and 38, respectively, lying along thecorresponding hypotenuse of the wing sections 32 and 34. A wing strut 40and a wing strut 42 are provided structurally associated with each ofthe opposite side edge portions 36 and 38. A cross strut 44 is alsoprovided extending generally perpendicular to the center strut 30 andextending substantially between the wing struts 40 and 42.

While the struts 30, 4t), 42 and 44 may be structurally associated withthe sheet of fabric 26 in any desired manner, as by gluing or the like,the struts 30, 40, 42 and 44 are preferably removably structurallyassociated with the sheet of fabric 26 to enable ready assembly,disassembly, replacement, adjustment and folding. Accordingly, thecenter strut 30 and the wing struts 4t) and 42 preferably are housed insleeves 46, 48 and 50, respectively, formed from the sheet of fabric 26to protect the struts and produce a solid wing construction withoutvulnerable additions. Also, the center struts '30 and the wing struts 40and 42 preferably are not permanently attached along the entire lengththereof to the sleeves 46, 48 and 50 but rather, limited relativemovement therebetween is permitted to enable the sheet of fabric 26 toautomatically adjust against the strut surfaces to the maximum tensionof the sheet of fabric 26 with changes in wind velocity and directionduring flight. The sheetof fabric 28, which forms the keel portion 24 issecured to the center strut housing or sleeve 46, as by stitching 52, orthe like, so that the sheets of fabric 26 and 28 become effectively oneunit, enabling immediate response therebetween during flight to changesin wind velocity and direction.

The main body portion 22 of the kite 2G is accordingly of generallytriangular or delta configuration, having leading edges 54 and 56.defined by the sleeves48 and 50 extending generally rearwardly andoutwardly of an apex 58. The wing struts 40 and 42 are of lesserlongitudinal extent than the leading edges 54 and 56 and extend fromlocations 60 and 62 generally rearwardly of the apex 58 to locations 64and 66 adjacent the rearward apices of the main body portion 22.Accordingly, the region of the main body portion adjacent the forwardapex 58 is of decreased weight precluding top-heaviness, a frequentcause of launch and flight difficulty, and presenting a better airfoil.

Under differing wind conditions, and after prolonged use resulting inpermanent stretching or other structural changes, a kites stability maybe impaired, and it will often falter in flight or veer to one side orthe other. The improved kite 20 is therefore so constructed and arrangedas to enable simple adjustments to be made to retain the stability ofthe kite under such changing wind conditions and after prolonged use. Aplurality of attachment locations 68 may be provided on the keel portion24 to enable a string or the like to be attached to the keel portion '24in varying relationship to the lower keel point 70. Additionally, aportion 72 of the upper peripheral edge. 74 of the sheet of fabric28.adjacent the rear 76 thereof may be unsecured with the sheet offabric 28' and the sleeve 46 may be terminated at a location 78 spacedfrom the rear edge 80 of the sheet of fabric 26 to enable the rear endportion 82 of the strut 30 and the rear portion .76 of the sheet of.fabric 28 to be selectively positioned relative to the sheet of fabric26. For example, the location 78 may be spaced from the rear edge 80 andthe length of the portion 72 of the upper peripheral edge 74 of thesheet of fabric 28 may be of a length of approximately one quarter thedistance between the apex 58 and the rear edge 80 and a plurality ofattachment locations 84 are provided adjacent the rear edge 80 of thesheet of fabric 26 to enable the rear portion 82 of the center strut 30and the rear portion 76 of the sheet of fabric 28 to be attached to thesheet of fabric 26 directly centrally, or slightly to the. leftorslightly to the right of the center to enable the keel portion 24 andthe cen ter strut 30 to provide the effect of a movable rudder. The rearportion 82 of the center strut 30 and the rear portion 76 of the sheetof fabric 28 may be secured with the attachment locations 84 in aconvenient manner, as by means of a tie.

Additionally, the cross strut 44 may be so constructed and arranged asto be movable slightly forward or back of the normal position which isapproximately slightly forwardly of the center of the main body portion22, as indicated by the phantom lines in FIG. 1. Preferably, provisionis made for at least one of the above mentioned adjustments, that is thekeel and center strut adjustment or the cross strut adjustment, but notnecessarily for both. While the provision of both types of adjustment donot appear to be necessary, the provision of one or the other type ofadjustment does help flight considerably. The adjustable rudder effectwhich is achieved by the adjustable keel portion and center strutappears to help the most but the adjustable cross strut may beaccomplished more easily. Both adjustments, may however be provided.Each of the above adjustments are simply made, but if the operator doesnot choose to make the adjustments, the kite will still fly well but thestability and useful life thereof can be prolonged by provision of atleast one of the above-mentioned adjustments.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the sheet of fabric 26 is generally oftriangular or delta configuration and preferably is a unitary sheet ofmaterial. The Sheet of fabric 26 preferably is cut to the desiredconfiguration prior to construction to enable simple construction of thesleeves or housings 46, 48 and 50. The struts 30, 40, 42 and 44 arefabricated of wood or other appropriate light-weight relativelyinflexible material. If, for example, the kite 20 has a wing spread ofapproximately six feet across the rear edge 80 thereof then the struts30, 40 and 42 may be fabricated of quarter inch dowels and the crossstrut 44 may be fabricated of a quarter or five sixteenth dowel. If thewing spread is greater or less, the diameter of the cross strut, centerstrut and wing struts would be changed proportionately. As alsohereinbefore pointed out, the

wing vstruts are. of lesser longitudinal extent than the leading edges54 and 56 and preferably are of approximately three quarters the lengthof the leading edges 54 and 56. The center strut 30 is substantiallyequal to the vertical center length of the kite 20, that is, theperpendicular distance between the apex 58 and the rear edge 80. Thecross strut 44 is of an appropriate length to extend substantiallyacross the piece of fabric 26 at the location of securement thereto,which as previously pointed out is generally slightly forwardly of themidpoint and preferably is approximately one-third the distance from theapex 58 to the rear edge 80, or one-third the length of the leading edge54 or 56.

The wing strut sleeves or housings 48 and 50 are constructed by foldinginwardly each leading edge 54 and 56 of the sheet of fabric 26 andsecuring the folded edge to the upper kite surface forming a fold orsleeve wide enough to accommodate the Wing struts 40 and 42 therewithinwhen the edges are secured. The edges may be secured in any convenientmanner, as by stitching along a sewn seam, by using a heat-adhesivetape, a pressure sensitive adhesive tape, an adhesive, or a combinationof these methods. The sleeves 48 and 50 may extend substantiallyentirely along the leading edges 54 and 56 or may terminate at alocation rearwardly of the apex 58, such as at a location approximatelyone quarter the length of the leading edges 54 and 56 from the apex 58.The rear of the sleeves 48 and 50 are closed adjacent the rear apices 64and 66 in any desired manner. Provision may be made for inserting thewing strut 40 and 42 into the sleeves 48 and 58 by leaving the front endof the sleeves 48 and 50 open or by closing the front ends of thesleeves 48 and 50 and making a slit or aperture 86 in each of thesleeves or housings 48 and 50 at, or forwardly of the locations 60 and62. The slits or apertures 86 should, obviously, be sufliciently largeand, preferably are formed in the upper surface of the sleeves 48 and50, to enable the wing struts 40 and 42 to be inserted therein.

The wing struts 40 and 42 preferably are secured with the sleeves 48 and50 only adjacent the locations 60 and 62, as by drilling or otherwiseforming a hole or aperture within the sleeves 48 and 50 and therethroughand through the struts 40 and 42 to enable a cord or other appropriatefastener to pass through the apertures to secure the struts with thesleeves. Preferably, the apertures in the sleeves 48 and 50 arereinforced with grommets, adhesive tape, glue or other appropriatematerials to preclude tearing of the sheet of fabric 26. If the wingstruts 40 or 42 are damaged, the fastening may be readily removedenabling the strut to be readily replaced and resecured.

The center strut sleeve or housing 46 may be constructed by sewing aseam 88 parallel to the vertical center of the sheet of fabric 26joining the sheet of fabric 26 together so that the sleeve or housing 46will appear on the undersurface of the kite 20. The seam is formedsuflicienb ly far from the vertical center of the sheet of fabric 26 sothat the sleeve or housing 46 will be of sufficient size to enable thecenter strut 38 to be accommodated therein after the keel portion 24 isattached, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. If themovable rudder efiect adjustment is not to be utilized, the seam 88 willextend substantially entirely between the apex 58 and the rear edge 80of the sheet of fabric 26 and the sleeve or housing 46 will be closedadjacent the rear edge '80. Provision may be made for the removal andinsertion of the center strut 30 in a manner similar to the securement,removal and replacement means provided for the wing struts 40. Suchprovisionwould be made adjacent the apex 58.

If the movable rudder effect adjustment is to be provided, then the seam88 will extend from the apex 58 to a point approximately one quarter thedistance between the apex and the rear edge 80 from the rear edge 80 sothat the sleeve or housing 46 will extend substantially three quartersof the length from the apex 58 to the rear edge 80. The sleeve orhousing 46 would accordingly be closed at the apex 58 and left open atthe location 78, as shown. In any case, provision is made at the apex 58to removably secure the center strut 30 to the sheet of fabric 26thereat, in a similar manner to the securement of the wing struts 40 and42.

The securing locations may be provided, as by providing a plurality ofapertures adjacent the rear edge '80, the apertures 84 being reinforcedas by grommets, adhesive tape, or the like, either alone or incombination enabling a cord 90, or the like to be utilized to releasablysecure the center strut 30 therewith.

The sheet of fabric 28 forming the keel portion 24 is likewise generallytriangular in shape. The sheet of fabric 28 preferably is sewn directlyto the lower edge of the center strut sleeve 46 and the keel portion 24preferably is approximately three quarters the length of the centerstrut on the upper edge 74 thereof. The lower keel point 70 ispreferably located substantially perpendicular to the location 92whereat the cross strut 44 and the center strut 30 intersect.

If the movable rudder adjustment is not provided, the keel portion 24 issewn, or otherwise secured, with the lower edge of the center strutsleeve along the seam line 52 from the rear of the sleeve 46, that isfrom adjacent the rear edge for the full length of the upper edge 74 ofthe piece of fabric 28, ending forwardly approximately three quarters ofthe distance from the rear edge 80 to the apex 58. If the movable rudderadjustment is to be used, then the piece of fabric 28 is sewn, orotherwise structurally associated with the lower edge of the centerstrut sleeve 46 from a point approximately one quarter of the distancefrom the rear edge 80 to the apex 58, that is, substantially at thelocation 78 to the end of the upper edge 74. Since the forward edge endof the piece of fabric 28 ends approximately a quarter of the distancefrom the apex 58 to the rear edge 80 the piece of fabric 28 is securedwith the piece of fabric 26 for approximately half the distance betweenthe apex 58 and the rear edge 80, such length corresponding toapproximately two-thirds of the length of the upper edge 74 of the pieceof fabric 28. Furthermore, the portion 72 of the upper edge 74 of thepiece of fabric 28 extends without permanent fastening beyond thelocation 78 to generally adjacent the rear edge 80.

As hereinbefore mentioned, the attachment locations 84 are preferablyreinforced with grommets, adhesive tape, glue or other appropriatereinforcement. Preferably, the openings 84 are spaced approximately onequarter to one half inch apart and are so configured as to enablevariations in the amount of tension placed upon the center strut 3i) andthe keel portion 24 since the kite 20 will operate more stably if theamount of keel surface under tension is decreased as the wind velocityincreases.

The raw fabric edges of the sheet of fabric 28 and the sheet of fabric26 preferably are reinforced, as by hems, adhesive tapes, or the like.The cross strut 44 extends across the upper surface of the main bodyportion 22 approximately one-third of the way from the apex 58 to therear edge 80, or slightly forwardly of the medial location therebetween,as hereinbefore stated and is secured with the main body portion 22 bycross strut fastening means 94 to be described in more detailhereinafter. Preferably, as also hereinbefore pointed out, the crossstrut 44 is removably secured by the cross strut fastening means 94 andthe cross strut fastening means 94 may be so constituted and arranged asto enable the position of the cross strut 44 to be varied. Strips ofadhesive tape 96 and 98 may be provided adjacent the adjustablefastening locations 84 and 68, respectively, to reinforce the sheets offabric 26 and 28. The multiple attachment points 68 on the keel portion24 enable the amount of keel surface under tension to be varied, sinceit is desirable that the amount of keel surface under tension bedecreased as the wind velocity in which the kite is flying increases.

Various modifications may be made in the shape of the main body portion22 of the kite 20 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, and with reference now to FIGS. 4, and 6 thereare shown and illustrated variously configured kite modificationsconstructed in accordance with the present invention. Suchconfigurations as are shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are by way of exampleonly, and it is to be understood that kites may be constructed inaccordance with. the present invention while taking various forms andarrangements without departing from the spirit of the invention. In eachof FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, similar reference characters will be utilized forlike parts as were utilized in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the kite ofFIG. 4 is designated generally by the reference character 120, the kiteshown and illustrated in FIG. 5 is generally designated by the referencecharacter 220 and the kite shown and illustrated in FIG. 6 is designatedby the reference character 320. A similar numbering system is used forthe other reference characters.

Accordingly, and with reference now to FIG. 4 of the drawing there isshown and illustrated a modified kite 120 configured, constructed andarranged to the shape of a bird. The main body portion 122 of the kite120 is fabricated of a sheet of fabric 126. A center strut 130subdivides the sheet of fabric 126 into a pair of mirror image wingsections 132 and 134 having opposite side edges 136 and138,,respectively. Side struts 140 and 142 are structurally associatedwith the wing sections 132 and 134 adjacent the side edges 136 and 138thereof. A cross strut 144 extends across the upper surface of the sheetof fabric 126 between locations adjacent the opposite side edges 136 and138. The center strut 130 is retained within a center sleeve 146 formedby sewing and securing the sheet of fabric 126 together and the wingstruts 140 and 142 are also secured with the sheet of fabric 126 withinsleeves 148 and 150 formed thereon.

The sheet of fabric 126 is configured between the apex 158 thereof andthe outwardly and rearwardly extend-' ing wing struts 140 and 142 togenerally concave configuration, as shown. Such modified configurationis easily eifectuated, since, as hereinbefore pointed out, the oppositeside edges 136 and 138 adjacent to and immediately anteriorly of thefront apex 158 are not reinforced by the struts 140 and 142.

The rear edge 180 of the sheet of fabric 126, rather than beingsubstantially straight as is the rear edge 80 of generally curvilinearconfiguration. Accordingly, the rear edge 180 comprises rear Wing edges102 and 104 and a rear tail edge 10.6. Tail side edges 108 and 110extend generally rearwardly and outwardly from the rear wing edges 102and 104 to the rear tail edge 106 to define therebetween a tail section110. The center strut 130 is extended to greater longitudinal extent soas to extend substantially between the front apex 158 and the reartailedge 106. Each of the side tail edges, 108 and 110 is foldedinwardly to define sleeves or housings 112 and 114 for receivingtherewithin tail edge struts 116 and 118. A rear cross strut 121 is alsoprovided as shown. Each of the tail struts 116 and 118 is retainedforwardly of the rear edge 180 by means, such as pockets 123 and 125secured with the sheet of fabric 126 as by means of sewing, an adhesive,or the like. The center strut sleeve 146 terminates at a location 178spaced from the rear tail end 106 and the center strut 130 is adjustablyconnected with the sheet of fabric 126 ads jacent the rear tail edge 106by means of adjustable locating means 184.

With reference now to FIG. 5, the basic improved kite may be modified tothe configuration of a kite 220 representative of a bat, or the like.The bat kite 220 comprises a main body portion 222 and a keel portionsuch as the keel portion 24 shown in FIG. 2. The main body portion 222comprises a sheet of fabric 226 and a center strut 230 subdividing thesheet of fabric 226 into two mirror image wing sections 232 and 234having opposite side edges 236 and 238, respectively.

Wing struts 240 and 242 are structurally associated with the sheet offabric 226 adjacent the opposite side edge portions 236 and 238 and across strut 244 extends therebetween. The center strut 230 is containedwithin a sleeve or housing 246 and the wing struts 240 and 242 arecontained within sleeves or housings 248 and 250, respectively. Theleading edges 254 and 256 adjacent the front apex 258 are ofsubstantially convex configuration to define the front of a bats head.The rear edge 280 of the sheet of fabric 226 is configured as showntodefine the rear wing edges and tail of a bat. Panels of material 202 and204 of colors contrasting to the color of the sheet of fabric 226 ortransparent sheets of material are positioned adjacent the apex 258generally forwardly of the wing struts 240 and 242 to define the frontedges 206 and 208 of the bats wings and the side edges 210 and 212 ofthe bats head. The juncture between the side edges 210 and 212 with theportion of the leading edges 254 and 256 adjacent the apex 258 definethe ears 214 and 216 of the bat. Crossed struts 218 and 221 extendgenerally rearwardly from the ears 214 and 216 to locations 223 and 225on the rear edge 280 of the sheet of fabric 226 to support the ears 214and 216. The crossed struts 218 and 221may be secured with the sheet offabric .226 by means of pockets, or the like secured with the. sheet. offabric 226 at the ears 214 and 216 and at the locations 223and 225.

With reference now to FIG. 6 of the drawing, there is shown andillustrated a modified form of kite 320 configured to represent anairplane. The kite 320 comprises a main body portion 322 and a keelportion such as the keel portion 24 shown in FIG. 2 secured generallylongitudinally centrally thereto.

The main body portion 322 is provided with a center strut 330 tosubdivide the main body portion 322 into two mirror image wing sections332 and 334, the opposite side edges 33.6 and 338 thereof being providedwith wing struts 340 and 342, respectively whichare disposed ingenerally convergent relationship at opposite sides of the center strut330 and a cross strut 344 extends therebetween generally perpendicularto the center strut 330.

The center strut 330 is housed and retained within a sleeve or housing346 to which the keel portion is secured and the wing strut-s 340 and342 are housed in sleeves or housings 348 and 350 formed along theopposite side edges 336 and 338, respectively, to define thereby leadingedges 354 and 356 diverging generally outwardly and rearwardly from thefront apex 358. The front apex 358 is of generally convex configurationwith the portions of the leading edges 348 and 450 adjacent theretobeing configured to generally concave curvilinear edges to therebyproduce the effect of a nose portion of an airplane. The center strut330, cross strut 334 and wing struts 340 and 342 are, as in thepreviously described embodiments, preferably removably and movablyassociated with the sheet of fabric 326 defining the main body portion322.

The rear edge 3800f the sheet of fabric 326 is provided with a generallycentral extension or tail 302 of generally triangular configurationwhich is provided with a pair of tail edge struts 304 and 306 retainedwithin housings or sleeves 308 and 310, respectively and with a tailcross strut 312 extending therebetween. The struts 304, 306 and 312 arepreferably removably associated with the sheet of fabric 326.in a mannersimilar to the removable securement of the main cross strut 344 and thmain wing struts 340 and 342. The tail edge struts 304 and 306 may beretained against forward movement within the housings or sleeves 308 and310 by means of pockets 314 and 316 secured with the sheet of fabric 326in any convenient manner, as by stitching, adhesive bonding or the like.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the cross struts 44, 144, 244 and 344 arepreferably removably and movably positioned and secured with therespective main body por-v tions 22, 122, 222 and 322. Accordingly, andwith reference now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 of the drawing, there are shownand illustrated several embodiments or modifications of fastening meanswhich may be utilized to effectuate such securement. With particularreference now to FIG. 7, the wing sleeve 50 for the wing strut 42 may beprovided with a plurality of grommets or other reinforcements 402 toenable the cross strut 44 to be secured therewith as by means of astring, cord, or the like 404 passing through the grommets 402 andthrough an aperture 406 provided adjacent the end portion of the crossstrut 44. In the ensuing description and in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 of thedrawing, the various embodiments or modifications of the attachmentmeans for the cross struts will be illustrated and described aspertaining to the kite 20, but it is to be understood that the variousembodiments or modifications of the attachment means may be alsoutilized with any of the kites 20, 120, 220 and 320.

With more particular reference now to FIG. 8, the cross strut 44 may beretained in a selected one of a plurality of pockets 408 structurallyassociated with the sheet of fabric 26 adjacent the sleeve 50. Thepockets 408 may be fabricated of any convenient material, and may besecured with the sheet of fabric 26 as by stitching, adhesive bonding,stapling, or the like.

With reference now more particularly to FIG. 9, the cross strut 44 maybe secured within one of a plurality of lengths of relatively flexibletubing 410. The tubing 410 may comprise rubber, plastic or otherappropriate material and may be secured to the sheet of fabric 26adjacent the sleeve 50 and on the underside thereof as by means of astaple 412, or the like so that the piece of tubing 410 extendsgenerally transversely outwardly of the sheet of fabric 26 enabling theouter end portion 414 of the piece of tubing 410 to be bent upwardly andover the housing 50 and wing strut 42 contained therewithin so that theend portion 414 will extend generally laterally inwardly to enable theend portion of the cross strut 44 to be inserted easily therewithinduring operation. The piece of tubing 410 preferably has sufiicientresiliency to enable the end portion 414 thereof to securely grip theend portion of the cross strut 44 during flight.

With reference now to FIG. 10 of the drawing, it was previously pointedout that the center strut 30 and the rear end portion 72 of the sheet offabric 28 defining the keel portion 24 are preferably movably positionedand secured with the rear edge 80 of the sheet of fabric 26 defining themain body portion 22. As can be readily seen in FIG. 10 grommets 84 maybe provided in spaced relationship along and adjacent the rear edge 80to enable a cord, string, or the like 416 to be passed therethrough andthrough an aperture 418 provided adjacent the rear end portion of thecenter strut 30. The sheet of fabric 26, adjacent the grommets 84 may bereinforced, as by means of adhesive tape, or the like 420 securedtherewith enabling the center strut 30 and the rear end portion 72 ofthe keel portion 24 to be movably and removably secured. Accordingly,should the kite begin to fiy veered in one direction or the other, theoperator may release the cord or string 416 and refasten the centerstrut 30 and the rear end 72 of the keel portion 24 to one side or theother of the center of the rear edge 80 to correct such veering.

Any of the kites 20, 120, 220 and 320 may be decorated with designs bypainting, printing or in any other way color is commonly applied to afabric. The various kites may be constructed of more than one color andkind of fabric by adhering multiple pieces of fabric together with heatsensitive adhesive tape, pressure sensitive adhesive tape, glue,stitching, or any other material or method capable of making a strongand permanent bond between two pieces of fabric. Designs may be providedon any of the kites by means of appliques, or the like comprising apiece of fabric of any desired shape sewn to the surface of the kite orby cutting a portion out of the sheet of fabric comprising the kite andreplacing the cutout portion with a piece of fabric of another color ortype or a transparent fabric. In each case, however, it has been foundpreferable to utilize an adhesive, rather than a sewn seam fordecorative purposes as the use of an adhesive will preclude unwanted airleaks between the kite surfaces.

During flight, the main body panels of each of the kites 20, 120, 220and 320 assume the shape of an airfoil in a conventional manner, asshown in FIG. 3 of the drawing. The absence of wing struts in theforward portion of the leading edges aid in enabling the main bodypanels to assume a more efficient airfoil configuration thanconventional prior tailless kites and furthermore reduces the weight ofthe forward end portions of the kites which additionally improves theflight characteristics thereof, and furthermore enables the fabricadjacent the front apex to be configured to any desired contour. Theabsence of struts adjacent the rear edge portion of the kite enables therear edge to also be configured to any desired contour and provided withreinforcing struts as may be necessary or desirable.

It is to be understood that terminology such as forwardly and rearwardlyalong with other similar directional terminology, is to be construed andinterpreted in its normal and accepted sense, and is not to be construedor interpreted in a limiting sense either in the foregoing descriptionor the subjoined claims, since the same is used merely to facilitate anunderstanding of, and to clearly set forth and particularly define thepresent invention.

While the invention has been shown, illustrated, described and disclosedin terms of embodiments or modifications which it has assumed inpractice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limitedby the precise embodiments or modifications herein shown, illustrated,described and disclosed, such other embodiments or modifications as .maybe suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein beingintended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope andspirit of the claims here appended.

What is claimed is:

1. Kite comprising, in combination, a main body portion fabricated offlexible material having leading edges diverging generally rearwardlyfrom a forward apex portion, reinforcing means structurally associatedwith said main body portion adjacent said leading edges and extendinggenerally rearwardly at least from locations along said leading edgesspaced apart from said apex portion, and a keel portion depending fromand structurally associated with said main body portion along a locationsubstantially bisecting the angle between said leading edges, a portionof the upper edge of said keel portion being free to move relative tosaid main body portion and adapted to be adjustably positioned relativethereto.

2. Kite defined in claim 1 further comprising center strut sleeve meansstructurally associated with said main body portion extending generallycentrally of said leading edges and terminating forwardly of the rear ofsaid main body portion, center strut means extending longitudinally ofsaid center strut sleeve means and associated therewith at least at alocation adjacent said apex portion, and means for securing the rear endportion of said center strut means at selected locations adjacent therear of said main body portion.

3. Kite defined in claim 2 further comprising cross strut meansextending generally transversely between said leading edges and meansfor selectively securing said cross strut means in a plurality ofpositions relative to said main body portion.

4. Kite defined in claim 3 further comprising wing strut sleeve meansextending generally adjacent said leading edges, said reinforcing meanscomprising wing strut means extending Within said Wing strut sleevemeans, said wing strut means being secured with said main body portionat only one location adjacent each leading edge and adapted for movementrelative to said wing strut sleeve means at other than such location.

5. Kite defined in claim 4 wherein said keel portion is of generallytriangular configuration and is provided with a plurality of attachmentlocations adjacent the lowermost apex thereof for enabling a cord,string, wire or the like to be attached thereto.

6. Kite defined in claim 1 further comprising wing strut sleeve meansextending generally adjacent said leading edges, said reinforcing meanscomprising wing strut means extending within said wing strut sleevemeans, said wing strut means being secured with said main body portionat only one location adjacent each leading edge and adapted for movementrelative to said wing strut sleeve means at other than such locations.

7. Kite defined in claim 1 wherein said keel portion is of generallytriangular configuration and is provided with a plurality of attachmentlocations adjacentthe lowermost apex thereof for enabling a cord,string, Wire or the like to be attached thereto.

8. Kite defined in claim 1 further comprising cross strut meansextending generally transversely between said leading edges, and meansfor selectively securing said cross strut means in a plurality ofpositions relative to said main body portion.

9. Kite defined in claim 8 wherein said keel portion is of generally.triangular configuration and is provided with a plurality of attachmentlocations adjacent the lowermost apex thereof for enabling a cord,string, wire or the like to be attached thereto.

10. Kite comprising, in combination, a main body portion fabricated offlexible material having leading edges diverging generally rearwardlyfrom a forward apex portion and provided with center strut sleeve meansextend: ing generally centrally of said leading edges and terminat ingforwardly of the rear of said main body portion, a keel portiondepending from said main body portion generally centrally of saidleading edges, reinforcing means structurally associated with said mainbody portion adjacent said leading edges, center strut means extendinglongitudinally of said center strut sleeve means and associatedtherewith at least at a location adjacent said apex portion, and meansfor securing therear end portion of 12 said center strut means atselected locations adjacent the rear of said main body portion.

11. Kite defined in claim 10 further comprising wing strut sleeve meansextending generally adjacent said leading edges, said reinforcing meanscomprising wing strut means extending within said wing strut sleevemeans, said wing strut means being secured with said main body portion.at only a single location adjacent each leading edge and adapted formovement relative to said wing strut sleeve means at otherthan suchlocations.

12. Kite comprising, in combination, a main body por tion fabricated offlexible material having leading edges diverging generally rearwardlyfrom a forward apex portion, a keel portion depending from said mainbody portion generally centrally of said leading edges and reinforcingmeans structurally associated with said main body portion adjacent saidleading edges, cross strut means extending generally transverselybetween said leading edges, and means for selectively securing saidcross strut means in a plurality of positions relative to said main bodyportion.

13. Kite defined in claim 10 further comprising cross strut meansextending generally transversely between said leading edgesand means forselectively securing said cross strut means in a plurality of positionsrelative to said main body portion.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 196,057 8/1963 Levine.

713,381 11/1902 Battersby 244153 743,301 11/1903 Lischtiak 244-153919,436 4/1909 Jackson 244--153 984,295 2/1911 Peuvot 244-154 1,892,9851/1933 Hughes 244153 2,785,870 3/1957 Green 244153 3,018,075 1/1963Bowers 244153 3,248,075 4/1966 Cunningham 244153 FOREIGN PATENTS 481,6173/1938 Great Britain.

MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

P.'E. SAUBERER, Assistant Examiner.

1. KITE COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A MAIN BODY PORTION FABRICATED OFFLEXIBLE MATERIAL HAVING LEADING EDGES DIVERGING GENERALLY REARWARDLYFROM A FORWARD APEX PORTION, REINFORCING MEANS STRUCTURALLY ASSOCIATEDWITH SAID MAIN BODY PORTION ADJACENT SAID LEADING EDGES AND EXTENDINGGENERALLY REARWARDLY AT LEAST FROM LOCATION ALONG SAID LEADING EDGESSPACED APART FROM SAID APEX PORTION, AND A KEEL PORTION DEPENDING FROMAND STRUCTURALLY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID MAIN BODY PORTION ALONG A LOCATIONSUBSTANTIALLY BISECTING THE ANGLE BETWEEN SAID LEADING EDGES, A PORTIONOF THE UPPER EDGE OF SAID KEEL PORTION BEING FREE TO MOVE RELATIVE TOSAID MAIN BODY PORTION AND ADAPTED TO BE ADJUSTABLY POSITIONED RELATIVETHERETO.